Hodges, who's having a strong camp after signing with the Bills in May, has been lining up consistently with the second team at both the middle and outside spots, Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com reports.

Hodges was inexplicably benched Sunday in favor of Michael Wilhoite, but he could return to the starting lineup Thursday after NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) was ruled out for the rest of the season, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

Double-check on his anticipated role closer to your draft, but as of press time there's reason to expect a breakout season for Hodges as a potential starter next to Bowman in San Francisco's 3-4. A starting inside linebacker on a Chip Kelly team is an IDP factor by default due to the high play counts, but Hodges might actually be pretty good aside from that. He's very athletic – he actually was a returner at points at Penn State – and last year he had 50 tackles (39 solo) in 518 defensive snaps despite an in-season trade from Minnesota to San Francisco.

2015

Hodges could compete for the starting middle linebacker role, but more likely becomes a key reserve as he can play all three linebacker positions.

2014

Hodges, a 2013 fourth-round draft pick, will be a reserve linebacker. However, it's possible he could compete for a starting role if Jasper Brinkley or 2014 first-round pick Anthony Barr struggle.

2013

Hodges isn't particularly well known as a fourth-round pick from Penn State, but Minnesota's lack of talent at linebacker gives Hodges a great chance to start and earn a three-down role as a rookie. If this should occur, it wouldn't simply be by default. Hodges was a good player at Penn State with standout athleticism to the point that the team experimented with him as a punt returner at one point. Although he's rangy, Hodges still makes an impact at the point of attack, as he had 18.5 tackles for loss the last two years. With a little luck, Hodges might be Minnesota's second-leading tackler behind Greenway.